Manchester City put on a performance befitting its multi-million dollar squad on Monday, thrashing Liverpool, 3-0, for its first win of the season.
Carlos Tevez scored two goals to follow up a Gareth Barry finish on a day when Liverpool had no answers for City's dynamic attack.
The win dropped Liverpool to a paltry one point from two matches, while Manchester City improved to four points after posting its second shutout in a row.
There were plenty of subplots surrounding Monday's match, from Javier Mascherano's exclusion from the Liverpool lineup (amid reports of a strong push by Barcelona to sign him), to Mario Balotelli's absence due to a knee injury.
Here are some other stories from Monday to round out your day:
CHING NAMED MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Hitting a bicycle kick might be enough to win MLS Player of the Week most weeks. Make it part of a hat-trick and you're guaranteed to be making room on your awards mantle.
Brian Ching won MLS Player of the Week honors after his three-goal effort helped Houston topple the Chicago Fire, 4-3, last Saturday.
In case you haven't seen it, here is Ching's award-winning hat-trick:
MONDAY FREE KICKS
Just days after snubbing a multi-million dollar move to Chelsea, Brazilian sensation Neymar helped lead Brazilian club Santos to victory with a goal and assist in a 2-1 win against Atletico Mineiro.
Arsenal's quest for defensive reinforcements has led them to Sevilla centerback Sebastien Squillaci, who was bought for £6.5million.
Liverpool is reportedly closing in on a pair of PSV Eindhoven players, including Mexican international Carlos Salcido.
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Think Manchester City is a serious title contender in England? Any doubts about Brian Ching being this week's MLS Player of the Week? Wondering where Neymar will eventually wind up?
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